命令形（めいれいけい、meireいkeい）
- imperative form

The Japanese word 命令形 めいれいけい ( *meireikei*) literally translates to "command form" or "imperative form." It refers to the form of a Japanese verb that expresses a direct command, order, or strong request. This form is used to tell someone to do something. It is considered a relatively direct and sometimes forceful way of speaking, and its use depends heavily on the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

⚫︎食べろ！ Translation: Eat! ⚫︎静かにしろ！ Translation: Be quiet! ⚫︎行け！ Translation: Go!

⚫︎命令形 is primarily used when giving direct orders, instructions, or commands. ⚫︎It's common when speaking to those lower in status than you, like children, subordinates, or animals. ⚫︎The use of 命令形 can be considered rude or impolite if used with someone you don't know or someone of higher status. ⚫︎In informal settings, especially among close friends or family, it can be used, but even then, it's often softened with other sentence endings for politeness. ⚫︎Situations like emergencies, sports coaching, or military contexts might warrant more frequent use of 命令形.

⚫︎The word 命令形 is typically written as 命令形 in kanji, and めいれいけい in hiragana. ⚫︎There aren't other common ways to write this word. ⚫︎The okurigana (送りがな) for 命令 is fixed, and the form remains consistent.

⚫︎There aren't direct synonyms for the word "command form" itself, as it's a grammatical term. However, the feeling of giving a command can be expressed with other verb forms or phrases, such as: ⚫︎～なさい ( *~nasai* ) - a softer form of command. ⚫︎～てください ( *~te kudasai* ) - "Please do~," a polite request. ⚫︎～べきだ ( *~bekida* ) - "Should do~," expressing an obligation.

⚫︎The direct antonyms of "command form" wouldn't exist, as it's a grammatical form. However, forms that express a lack of command or request instead of order would be antonyms. ⚫︎The polite forms (e.g. ～てください (*~te kudasai*)) are an antonym in effect, while other forms like ～ましょう (*~mashou*) which offers actions, can be considered as well.

早く寝ろ！ ・Translation: Go to sleep quickly! ・Explanation: This is a direct command telling someone to go to sleep immediately.

そこで待て！ ・Translation: Wait there! ・Explanation: This is an order, telling someone to stay in one place.

The word 命令形 is composed of two parts: 命令 (*meirei*), meaning "command" or "order," and 形 (*kei*), meaning "form" or "shape." Thus, the word directly reflects its function: the "form" used to express a "command." The etymology directly reflects the grammatical function.